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Summary: You may not believe it, but you won't be able to forget it
Review: It's hyped as a true story yet the author's comment as using "poetic license" to tell his story left me wondering how much was fact vs. fiction. For example, the book made several references to Modoc's tusks but the photos in the book of Modoc didn't show her as having tusks. Nevertheless, I loved this book. It amazed me how this magnificent animal retained her gentle spirit after suffering so many years of abuse in the hands of men. It confirms my belief that the most dangerous and evil species on this planet is the human species. Oh what a horrible place our planet would be without its animals.
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Summary: MODOC IS A STORY ABOUT LOVE
Review: This is a wonderful book. At times it reads like a fable. Can't remember the last time I have wept so much reading a book. It truly is a story of love, and courage.
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Summary: A "True" Story?
Review: This story purports to be true, and, undoubtedly, some of it is. But how much? And what? Much of the material is obviosly fictionalized, as when the author reports verbatim conversations that he was not a party to, and, obviously, nobody transcribed. The situation isn't helped by the author's failure to provide any dates, his vagueness about places, and his failure to account for large periods of Modoc's life, or her trainer's. As several reviewers have noted, the author is no literary stylist. The writing can be embarassingly bad. The New Age philosophizing shows little depth--the reader is told, for example, that one must walk through the valley of life, and that the past is a source of strength. Too bad. The author is obviously a caring, compassionate man, who loved Modoc deeply. But that does not qualify him as a writer or thinker. The reader is ultimnately left with a sense of his emotions being toyed with because of the impossibility of sorting out truth from fiction.
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Summary: Two Trunks Up!
Review: I bought this book for my husband as a Christmas present and then I, too, read it. What a wonderful story (that reads like a novel)! The writing isn't the most literary, but who cares? It's a riveting tale that can be enjoyed by a wide-range of readers.
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Summary: Put aside YOUR troubles and see what real problems are!
Review: I'm always hesitant to read stories where animals are the focus. Modoc, however, goes far beyond the "boy and his dog" theme. It is a factual tale of one man and his incredible pet, the elephant, Modoc. Their friendship borders on one of a psychic bond, one that nature or human could never terminate despite horrendous attempts. The adventures of Bram and Modoc read incredibly well and poignantly. The description into circus life takes the reader into another realm of the "big top." The heroine is still Modoc whose life's adventures are admirably presented. You will most assuredly appreciate what this animal experienced and how the gentleness of her own/trainer forged a lifelong bond. You will not be disappointed in reading the about Modoc.
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Summary: A wonderful story about true frienship
Review: There is no friendship or companionship as pure and as true as that between Bram and Modoc! A wonderful story for both young and old. This was one of the best books I have read in a very long time!
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Summary: Great story, poorly written.
Review: I was really looking forward to reading this book but getting through it was a struggle. The writing is amateurish and clumsy. There is so little factual information that at times I began to feel that the credibility of the story was in question; better identification of the accompanying photos, for a start, would have been helpful. These gripes aside, it's obvious that the author loved this elephant very much. If you can get past the clunky writing style and some of the icky-sticky New Age philosophy, it's not a bad read.
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Summary: Modoc is a masterpiece.
Review: Modoc was one of those rare finds. As I was reading it I wished that it would never end! Easy to read and kept my interest! Ralph Helfer writes with passion and his knowledge of the animal world shines thru this story. Wish there was a sequel!
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Summary: A "must read" for anyone who has ever loved an animal
Review: I fell in love with Modoc and when I finished the story I wept as much for her death as I did for reaching the end of the book. It's something I will read again many times and a book I will either give or highly recommend to my animal-loving friends. I am so grateful that it was recommended to me.
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Summary: This book offers one terrifically well-told story.
Review: I cannot remember a book which has touched me more. Even if you allow for the possibility that the author had to embellish a bit in translating this remarkable "true story", it is a very powerful tale, nonetheless. This was a very hard book to put down--one of those where you can't wait to reach the end to see just how the story resolves; of course, when it's all over, you feel like you've lost one of your best friends and you want to start reading it all over again. Ralph Helfer does a fine job in taking the reader through the amazing travels and travails experienced by Bram Gunterstein and his amazing elephant companion, Modoc. Like the incredible cover photo, it is an ultimate testament to the power of friendship and loyalty. The book ends with some incredibly poignant moments--all without becoming cloying in the process. I literally sobbed as I finished this book--something I don't think I have ever done before. I sincerely hope that someone has paid an extraordinary sum for the film rights to this work. It screams for a producer and director like Steven Spielberg who can bring out all of the potential while resisting the temptation to get schmaltzy. But hey, don't wait for the inevitable movie, READ THIS BOOK NOW!
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